Monthly Archives: May 2012

You will typically see Rafael Nadal looking good on the tennis court dressed in his Nike clothes and shoes with one of his Babolat tennis bags hanging on his shoulder; however, Rafael Nadal not only looks good during his matches with his aggressive style, but off the court as well.

When Rafael Nadal was younger he was actually a very promising soccer player. He was trained by one of his uncles until another uncle, Toni Nadal, a former tennis pro, recognized his skill as a tennis player. Not wanting his academic career to suffer, Rafael`s father made him choose between the two sports; the choice for Nadal was obvious.

In addition to being blessed with tremendous athletic ability, Nadal is blessed with the face and the body of a model. In2011, “Rafa” replaced Cristiano Ronaldo as the new face of Armani Underwear and Jeans; the first tennis player ever endorsed by the brand who called Nadal “… ideal as he represents a healthy and positive model for youngsters.”

Even as a dancing Claymation figure, Nadal keeps his sexy appeal! As a global ambassador for Kia Motors, Nadal appeared in a comedic Kia commercial as himself but in clay form in a tournament against what appeared to be an alien.

What was most shocking to me was Nadal`s appearance is a music video. Shakira, a popular Colombian singer-songwriter, chose Rafael Nadal to appear as her love interest in the video for her song “Gypsy.” Shakira said that she chose the tennis pro because she felt as though he was someone she had a connection with. “I thought that maybe I needed someone I could in some way identify with. And Rafael Nadal is a person who has been totally committed to his career since he was very young. Since he was 17, I believe.”

As you can see, Rafael Nadal or “the king of clay” as he is sometimes called, is more than just a tennis player. We typically see him in his usual attire with his racquet, headband, Nike clothes and his signature Babolat tennis bag, but the soccer player turned tennis pro has taken his natural athletic ability and striking good looks to become a global sensation.

As we get further into the new year, many companies introduce newer, better products to the market. This year, Babolat jumped on the bandwagon of new releases with the launch of their new line of Babolat tennis shoes; the SFX.

Many tennis retail shops have begun carrying the new line which upholds the company`s fundamental value; innovation. According to the Babolat website, “Our analysis of the game has also made us realize the importance of sideways and diagonal movements during tennis matches. This observation led to the birth of Babolat shoe technologies, which optimize the specific movements of tennis players.”

Babolat`s partnership with Michelin, the tire brand, has allowed the company to create tennis shoes with some of the most durable outsoles and the SFX tennis shoes are no different. With the tennis experts at Babolat and the ground specialists at Michelin, Babolat tennis shoes have “special soles for all different types of surfaces.”

The Ergo-Motion technology implemented throughout the shoe in both the insole and midsole allow the sneaker to adapt to each player`s individual foot type for a “super” fit.

The Ergo-Motion Midsole is composed of two different materials in order to balance pressure points because during lateral movements and changes in directions, higher pressures are applied to the inner area of the foot.

REVAX which is the combination of rubber at EVA, is more resistant and softer giving it the ability to absorb shock. The EVA Light is on the external side and offers maximum cushioning.

The Ergo-Motion Insole is, in Babolat`s words, is “A multi-layer insole adapted to the foot`s anatomy.” No player has the exact same foot so the ability to adapt allows the SFX to work for all different types of players with different foot features. The insole is complete with an anti-slip mesh, memory foam for comfort and fit, PU ortholite for durable cushioning, Spring EVA, a 3d EVA hard cup for heel support and a soft EVA pad for maximum padding.

The new SFX line of tennis shoes are perfectly suited for any kind of tennis player with any kind of foot. Babolat has upheld their value of innovation with all of their products and Babolat tennis shoes are no different.

Just as tennis ball machines or a rebound nets, tennis backboards make great partners when humans partners are unavailable.

When looking to purchase a tennis backboard it is important to remember that not all backboards are created equal in the sense that different manufactures use different materials and technology to design them.

Tennis backboards are typically made out of fiberglass, UV treated plastics, polyurethane, wood, brick and even foam.

Wood and brick tennis backboards typically wear faster than other materials soto get the most out of your money, it is wise to invest in a backboard that is made to last with more durable materials.

For those who want make the best investment and buy long-lasting, durable tennis backboards, manufactures like Bakko Backboards, Rally Master and Court Master offer some great options whether it is for a private home court or a busy tennis club.

Tennis backboards come in different styles like flat and curved; each has advantages but it really just depends on personal preference.

Traditional tennis backboards are flat and meant to protect walls like a garage from damage as they aren’t meant to be used as tennis equipment. Flat backboards are typically easier to install and are perfect for entertaining the kids, easy warm-ups before a match or exercise drills.

Curved tennis backboards are more advantageous for practice because they can better simulate playing in a real match. The curved backboards return the ball similar to how an opponent would; if you hit low, the ball will return high, hitting the ball high will give you a low return.

With busy schedules it is not always easy to find a practice partner. Tennis backboards can make great practice partners and are especially convenient if they are installed right in your backyard.

No matter what you are looking for, be it small, big, curved or flat, manufacturers like Bakko, Rally Master and Court Master offer a variety of tennis backboards that will surely meet your needs.

Tennis players that make headlines and are loved by millions get to the top because of their natural talent and competitive nature, but many wouldn`t be where they are today without the proper gear; Technologically advanced racquets, training equipment and of course, the right court shoes.

This year, the Masters Series event for men and women at the Madrid Open will be played on a blue clay court instead of the classic red. While Venus Williams feels as though it is a fashion statement, another player calls it a “Smurf clay” and Rafael Nadal says it “…is a mistake.”

Whether the players agree with the new shade or not, the Madrid Open isn’t going back on their decision and instead of worrying about the color, pros should focus on the type of shoe they are going to wear because clay courts, blue or red, require specific court shoes.

Unfortunately, Andy Murray had to pull out of the Madrid Open due to a back injury saying “I always love coming to Madrid so it is a big disappointment. I look forward to returning next year.”

The good news is that his feet are safe and sound thanks to his court shoes. Murray prefers the Adidas Barricade 7 which offer durability, extra cushioning and support needed for hard court surfaces.

What is interesting about Andy Murray is that he won the event in 2008 when it was played on a hard-court surface but has had no such luck since the Madrid Open decided to change to clay. This could be due to the fact that Murray doesn`t have the right shoes.

Although the Adidas Barricade 7 shoes are some of the finest court shoes on the market, there are others better suited for a clay surface. The Adidas Barricade Team tennis shoes, for instance, are designed to offer maximum traction on all court surfaces.

Babolat also offers a court shoe specifically made for playing on clay surfaces; the V-Pro Clay Tennis Shoes. The V-Pro Clay has a sole designed for ideal grip and slide balance with a Michelin twin chevron clay court pattern.

I`d have to say that what makes the pros as successful as they are is predominately skill but we can`t ignore the equipment that assists them throughout every match. Footwork is one of the most important aspects of the game and the proper court shoe enhances the natural talent, making every player the best player they can be.